Carolyn Phillips’ Tips For Beginner Runners

Related Tags:

Fit-inista Carolyn Phillips– our on air personal trainer– is back with more tips to get you in shape and what you need to do to stay that way!

It’s getting so gorgeous outside now that summer is here, and Carolyn is here to share her tips on running, one of the most inexpensive– and most effective– exercises you can do. Here’s her tips for beginning runners…

1. Be Part of a Team

You can find a running buddy, or join a running club (check out “meet up runners group, beginners group” online). There’s clubs or groups in most towns, and lots of “couch to 5k” programs, which help get couch potatoes in gear and on their way to a more active lifestyle.

2. Your Clothes Are About More Than Looks

It’s very important to replace your sneakers every 3 months, since running will be putting a lot of pounding on your joints, ankles and knees. It’s equally important to wear clothes that allow you to sweat, especially in humidity so you don’t overheat. Make sure you’re not just picking out average cotton clothes.

3. Set A Goal

Set yourself a goal to work toward, like a beginners-level race. It’s going to give you some motivation to get going, and by giving yourself a date, you get a deadline to keep you even more committed.

4. Technology

You want to find stuff that will give you good metrics to help motivate and analyze your information. There’s a great, free application called Run Keeper which can track your runs via GPS, that measures distance and speed. Map My Run is another good app, if you want to find a specific type of run.

5. Pick the Right Route

Make sure you find a route that doesn’t have a lot of stop and go, lights and stop signs. Beginner runners should look for a route that will be consistent, without too many hills, and it’s best to find a route with soft surfaces, such as a dirt foundation, before you work up to harder surfaces. Map My Run will help you find the best place to plot your run, and you’ll be ready to go!